Professional Documents
Culture Documents
UNESCO
Published in 2006 by
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
Social and Human Sciences Sector
7, place de Fontenoy, 75350 Paris 07 SP
Human Security, Democracy and Philosophy Section
Tel. : +33 1 45 68 45 52
Fax : +33 1 45 68 57 29
E-mail: philosophy&human-sciences@unesco.org
Web: www.unesco.org/shs/philosophy
UNESCO, 2006
SHS-2006/WS/04
CLD/26809
GENERAL INTRODUCTION
In 2005 and for the first time in its history, UNESCO
adopted an Intersectoral Strategy on Philosophy, aiming to
establish an institutional framework for its programme in
favor of this key discipline in the Social and Human Sciences
Sector. This Strategy proved necessary in view of the increasing
amount of activities in this field implemented in close
cooperation with Member States and a broad number of
institutional partners, particularly since the launching in 2002
of the celebration of Philosophy Day at UNESCO.
In 2003 UNESCO
published the work
entitled La philosophie saisie par
lUNESCO
which retraces the
history of philosophy
within the
Organization, in a
context of historical
change and
influence of the
great philosophical
currents of the
second half of the
20th century. The
English translation
will be published in
2006.
Pierre San
Assistant Director-General
for Social and Human Sciences
INTERSECTORAL STRATEGY
ON PHILOSOPHY
Expected Results
Publications and textbooks produced from the interregional and inter-cultural philosophical dialogues;
The teaching of philosophy enhanced internationally at
both secondary and university levels;
The informal teaching and popularization of philosophy
regarding the contemporary philosophical debates fostered among the general public;
Capacities of National Commissions for UNESCO to
carry out the Strategy enhanced.
These three pillars are interconnected, with each pillar nourishing the others. The results of research and dialogues obtained in Pillar I will feed into Pillar II and its programme of teaching philosophy, and into Pillar III and its activities on the
promotion of philosophical thought.
PILLAR I
PHILOSOPHY FACING WORLD PROBLEMS
DIALOGUE, ANALYSIS AND QUESTIONING OF CONTEMPORARY SOCIETY
UNESCO will support philosophical analysis and research
that would focus on contemporary problems and its concrete
consequences to social stability and peace-building, starting
with UNESCOs priority programmes. Efforts will be made to
encourage thinkers to tackle emerging global problems in
order to foster new ideas and research. By supporting
reflection by philosophers on the major problems facing
humanity today, UNESCO will incite philosophers to play an
influential role beyond their traditional academic sphere and
participate actively in responding to contemporary problems,
thus complementing ongoing academic research.
UNESCO, as an intellectual and ethical organization, has a
role to play in creating a public space within which dialogue
can acquire an authentic international dimension that is open
to all. This dialogue, nourished by the concepts and ideas
produced by thinkers, should also penetrate the realm of
decision-makers, and give inspiration to the general public for
action. The connection between reflection, debate and action
will be reinforced by bringing together thinkers, policymakers
and civil society. The main challenge will thus be to make a
link between research and action.
In line with the United Nations Global Agenda for Dialogue
among Civilizations, the activities in this Pillar will contribute
to fostering a genuine process of dialogue by reviewing the
concept of, and approaches to, dialogue among civilizations, with
a view to broadening its scope and enhancing its relevance to
current challenges which humanity is facing. Identification of
obstacles to dialogue, analysis of what constitutes dialogue in
relation to other forms of communication, and searching for
the epistemological foundations of dialogue will be some of
the key issues that will be given attention.
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PILLAR II
TEACHING PHILOSOPHY IN THE WORLD
FOSTERING CRITICAL REFLECTION AND INDEPENDANT THINKING
The teaching of philosophy contributes to the development of
free citizens. It encourages one to judge for oneself, to
confront all sorts of arguments, to respect what others have to
say, and to submit only to the authority of reason. In other
words, the teaching of philosophy is highly relevant to
understanding the world-views and philosophical foundations
of human rights, and contributes to building the capacity for
individuals to have genuine freedom of thought, freedom from
dogmas and unquestioned wisdom. It also fosters the ability
for a human being to make judgements concerning his/her
situation. This is inevitably linked to the possibility for
evaluation, critique and choice for action or non-action.
The importance of philosophy education was affirmed in
1950 at the fifth session of the General Conference which
decided that UNESCO should make an inquiry into the
place of the teaching of philosophy in the several educational
systems, the way in which it is given, and its influence upon
the moulding of the citizen (5 C/Resolution 4.1212). The
first survey produced in 1953 under the direction of Georges
Canguilhem on nine countries was followed up in 1995, with
a more complete survey on 66 countries. However, there has
not been a systematic follow-up to the recommendations of
the experts on the survey regarding philosophy education.
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XIIIth International
Philosophy Olympiads (IPO)
Warsaw (Poland) 19 23 May 2005
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PILLAR III
PROMOTION OF PHILOSOPHICAL THOUGHT AND RESEARCH
Popularization of philosophy is essential in developing a
democratic and peaceful culture. Linking the knowledge
generated in philosophy and fostering independent thought in
the minds of the general public is crucial to peace, especially
in countries where philosophy is not yet formally taught.
Special emphasis will be put on the translation of
philosophical works.
Proceedings of the World
Philosophy Day,
21 November 2002
Series of 11 booklets (2004)
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Opening ceremony
of the World
Philosophy Day in
Santiago, (Chile),
which took place on
24 November 2005
in the presence of
Mr Ricardo Lagos
Escobar, President of
the Chilean Republic.
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